Summer goes fast in Minnesota; you have to make the most of it. Having fun in the sun is great for quality time with family, your mental health and getting some much-needed vitamin D. But the sun’s strong ultraviolet rays can be harmful without the right protection.
Choose a sunscreen that:
Since certain sunscreens can cause dryness, itchiness and breakouts, it’s important to choose one that is gentle enough for even the most reactive skin. Chemical sunscreens may clog pores, so mineral or oil-free sunscreens with hypoallergenic ingredients can be a good option for those with acne, sensitive skin or rosacea.
If you’re going to be in the water – including one of our 10,000 lakes – look for a sunscreen that has “water-resistant” on the label. These sunscreens have to pass a regulated SPF test. Water-resistant sunscreens can be effective for 40-80 minutes when applied as directed, so check the label and reapply as necessary.
Talk to your Laborers Health & Wellness care team about all your skincare health and well-being needs, including skin checks. We can make personalized recommendations to keep your skin healthy and looking its best during all of our ever-changing Minnesota seasons.
Schedule an appointment today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.
Watery eyes, congestion and an itchy throat are all possible symptoms of an environmental allergy. This incredibly common condition affects millions of Americans. It’s possible to develop allergies later in life – even if you never had them as a child.
Allergens that are present or at higher levels at certain times of the year are referred to as seasonal allergies. Common triggers for outdoor seasonal allergies include tree and grass pollen, ragweed pollen and mold spores. As they grow, plants and mold release pollen and spores into the air. When you breathe in pollen and spores, it can cause inflammation, irritation and other symptoms.
For some, symptoms may be just a case of the sneezes a couple times a year. But for others, seasonal allergies can cause congestion; a runny, itchy nose; watery eyes, headaches and more for weeks or months at a time. Spring allergy season can start as early as March.
Year-round allergies to dust mites, pets and mold can also develop in adulthood. Dust mites like bedding, carpet, stuffed animals and furniture. So if you have a dust mite allergy, it’s possible to have allergy issues throughout the year.
Talk to your Laborers Health & Wellness care team about all your allergy-related health and well-being needs. We can discuss testing and treatment options to find a solution that works best for you.
Schedule an appointment today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.
Colorectal (colon) cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. It’s a cancer that can be prevented or detected at an early stage – when it’s most effectively treated. That’s why it’s so important to follow screening guidelines.
Colon cancer screenings look for cancer or precancer in people who have no symptoms. Many people with colon cancer or rectal cancer don’t experience symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
American Cancer Society recommends that men and women begin colon cancer screenings at age 45. The starting age used to be 50, but this was updated in 2021 because colon cancer in younger people has increased. Your
Doctors use colonoscopies to check the lining of your colon for anything unusual, such as inflamed tissue and polyps (small growths that can become cancerous). Your doctor can detect and remove precancerous lesions during the procedure, helping prevent cancer in the future.
A relatively new screening alternative is FIT tests. These are annual stool tests that look for the presence of blood in your stool, which can be a sign of colon cancer. A FIT test is noninvasive, convenient and collected right at home.
Talk to your Laborers Health & Wellness care team about all your preventive care needs. We can discuss your risk factors and help you decide whether a colonoscopy or FIT test is right for you. Schedule an appointment at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.
Sunburn, dehydration, diarrhea, infection and illness can take the fun out of any family vacation. The good news is there are things you can do before, during and after your trip to help you stay healthy.
Drinking tap water might get you sick in less developed countries. Stick with bottled water to avoid bacteria and water-based illnesses. Also avoid raw foods and prepared fruits, vegetables and fresh juices.
If you have symptoms that last more than a few days after you return home from vacation, talk to your Laborers Health & Wellness care team for advice. Don’t delay if you have fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, or if you have an unusual skin rash or signs of an infection. Schedule an appointment at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.
It’s possible to lower your cholesterol levels naturally, without using medication. The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here for you and all of your cholesterol concerns.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance our bodies need to build healthy cells. Although cholesterol often gets a bad rap, our bodies can’t function without it.
Not all cholesterol is the same. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – or “bad cholesterol” – can make plaque in your arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease and vascular issues. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – “good cholesterol” – helps remove bad cholesterol from your bloodstream.
If you have high cholesterol levels, it usually means that you have too much LDL and not enough HDL. High cholesterol levels affect one in three Americans.
Most adults have their cholesterol screened during annual physicals. Talk to a Laborers Health & Wellness clinician about a schedule that’s right for you. Learn more at https://www.healthpartners.com/cholesterol and schedule an appointment today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.
With flu, COVID and norovirus cases on the rise, primary care clinics, urgent care clinics and emergency rooms are at capacity and struggling with long wait times. But you can still get quick and convenient care at the Laborers Health & Wellness clinics, where same-day or next-day appointments are often available. We also offer virtual appointment options and easy online scheduling. Come see us for:
Schedule a visit at a Laborers Health & Wellness clinic visit today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.
During the cold winter months, everyone’s hands get a little rough. The good news is you can manage dry skin and eczema year round by changing the products you use and how frequently you moisturize.
HealthPartners Dermatologist Daniel Krakora, MD, shares insights about dry skin – and itchy hands, arms, legs and elbows – on episode 38 of For Health’s Sake podcast.
Learn the science behind your skin’s health, including:
If you still have questions, your Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here to support your winter skin needs. Schedule a visit today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.
Winter can be the most wonderful time of the year, so don’t let slipping on ice derail your plans for the season. However, if accidents do happen, the Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here for you!
Indications you may need additional care after a slip or fall
Sometimes there’s no avoiding a fall, but there are things you can do during and immediately after falling to lessen the likelihood of serious injury.
Go to the emergency room right away if you hit your head and lost consciousness. If you hit your head and did not lose consciousness, but are currently taking blood thinners, head to urgent care or contact your primary care doctor right away.
Tips to prevent slip and fall injuries
Cold weather injuries can make the winter season much more difficult – avoid them with the following tips:
Ice got you down?
The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here for you!
Schedule a visit at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.
Winter can get tough. The days get shorter and darker, the air gets colder, and we spend more time inside. If you find yourself feeling a bit down during this time of year, you’re not alone. Each year, around 10 million Americans are estimated to experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – and many don’t even realize they have it.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a specific type of depression connected to seasonal changes. Typically, someone with SAD experiences symptoms at the same time each year.
There are common symptoms you can look for, including:
If you think you might be struggling with seasonal affective disorder, don’t ignore your symptoms. The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here to answer your questions and recommend treatment options such as light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
Make an appointment today! Visit https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.
There are a lot of vitamins and dietary supplements on store shelves. But you may find yourself wondering: Are there vitamins a woman should take daily?
What vitamins you’ll benefit from taking depends on several factors. Some vitamins can only be found in certain foods, while some are made naturally by your body. And no matter where some vitamins come from, how much your body needs can change as you age, or if you have certain health conditions.
The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here to answer your questions, as well as give recommendations based on your diet, age and lifestyle to help you achieve your health and wellness goals!
The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are available to support other common women’s health needs including:
Visit https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.
